Microsoft confirms plan to boost security with two-factor login

Microsoft this morning confirmed that it will roll out two-factor login for Microsoft Accounts across its major consumer products and services — giving users the option to boost their online security and thwart hackers by supplementing their normal passwords with secondary forms of authentication.

One common use of the feature will be through a smartphone, with users entering a code delivered to their phones when they log in to their accounts. Activation of the feature is optional, and users who do activate two-factor login can tell the system to not ask for secondary verification on machines that they use regularly.

Microsoft says two-factor login will be available across its devices and services, including Windows 8, Xbox Live, Outlook.com and Windows Phone.